This Christmas is going to be different for all of us. And since we are one step away from one of the most awaited celebrations of the year, one should not forget that we live in unprecedented times of pandemic that put our usual traditions on hold.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you as they “can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.”

As an alternative to face-to-face greetings and Christmas dinners, the CDC recommends “celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19)” and adds that this approach “poses the lowest risk for spread.”

Many countries across the world are currently implementing stricter quarantine rules as the Covid-19 cases continue to soar at an alarming pace. For example, in the Netherlands, the second lockdown of at least five weeks will start on Tuesday. Sweden, which resisted national lockdowns, implements their strictest restrictions so far on Friday. A hard lockdown with non-essential shops closing nationwide will also start in Germany this Wednesday and will continue throughout the holidays. Italy is now reported as the latest European country to go into lockdown.

Meanwhile, the UK reported a record new 35,928 Covid-19 infections yesterday, which makes it the highest-ever increase in a single day. The British government has divided the country into local restriction tiers based on epidemiological indicators in a bid to curb the soaring number of new cases.